| By :
Stewart Wrighter
If you think a pitching machine might help you improve your baseball or softball game, you are probably right. Pitching machines provide a convenient way to practice consistently without having to worry about someone helping you play. Players are able to practice whenever they feel like it and for as long as they desire. This is great for those who want to get the basics down and really learn the fundamentals of the game, as well as those who are working through technical problems and want to try something new. If you are thinking about investing in one of these contraptions, you might want to learn the history of the invention. They have seen many changes over the years and have become safer and more effective. It was invented by Charles Hinton in the late 1800's. He was a math professor and understood the technical side of designing the apparatus. He tried several times before finally finding success. His invention was first used in an exhibition game at Princeton University versus the Boston Bean eaters. The college continued to use the same machine until shortly after the turn of the century. The original apparatus was dangerous and would frequently hit batters. The early 1900's brought about improvements on the machine. Some efforts to make a better machine failed, including the creation of a device powered by air. Others tried to use hammers and springs to create an operating device, but were also unsuccessful. Finally, a device was created in St. Louis that was modeled after a rubber-band. However, few were interested in using it, perhaps still worried about getting hit. Around the 1950's, a device was created that later become the equivalent of a modern day device. The original was called the Power Pitcher and later models were known as the Hummer. The Hummer was used in Little League games, as well as for practice by professional teams. The advantage of The Hummer was its ability to throw a variety of pitches and more closely mimic the work of an actual player. This made it far more useful for professional players. Today's devices come in a wide variety of styles and models. They use compressed air, wheels and mechanical arms to throw the balls. They can mimic underhand softball throws or overhand baseball throwing at various speeds. Advanced devices are capable of mimicking a variety of complicated pitches, including curve and knuckleballs. Some are even able to incorporate video projection into the release to create the feeling of an actual game scenario. The ball looks as if it is coming from an actual person on the video screen, so the distraction of the player's movements are incorporated into practice. There are also video screens that include the rest of the field, so players are able to practice in a setting that includes distractions such as fans and other players. This helps create a more life-like scenario, making practice sessions even more useful for game situations that include more than just a ball being thrown at you.
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